Grinch Cookies are a fun festive treat that can brighten any holiday gathering. Named after the beloved Dr. Seuss character, these cookies are bright green and offer a delightful burst of flavor. They’re not just visually appealing; they’re also soft, chewy, and truly delicious. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas or just want to enjoy something cheerful, Grinch Cookies are a fantastic choice. Let’s explore how to make these cookies and discover why they will be a favorite in your home.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love Grinch Cookies for many reasons. Firstly, they are simple to make, so even if you’re not an experienced baker, you can have great success. The bright green color adds a festive touch to any table, appealing to both kids and adults. The combination of peppermint and vanilla flavors makes them unique and tasty. Plus, they look cute adorned with red heart-shaped sprinkles, making them perfect for holiday gifts or parties. These cookies will bring smiles to everyone who sees and tastes them.
HOW TO MAKE Grinch Cookies
Making Grinch Cookies is easy and straightforward. Follow the simple directions outlined below. You will be enjoying these festive treats in no time!
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
To make Grinch Cookies, you will need a few basic kitchen tools:
- Mixing bowls
- Hand-held mixer or stand mixer
- Cookie scoop (1 ½ tablespoon size)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Small bowl for mixing powdered sugar and cornstarch
- Wire rack for cooling
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 15.25 ounces white cake mix
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons peppermint extract or mint extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Green gel food coloring (about 1 teaspoon suggested)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- Red heart-shaped sprinkles or cinnamon hearts
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, use a hand-held mixer or a stand mixer to mix together the cake mix, softened butter, and eggs until everything is well combined.
- Add in the peppermint or mint and vanilla extracts. Next, add enough green food coloring to get the color you want. Mix on low speed just until combined. The batter will be thick and sticky.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and cornstarch.
- Use a 1 ½ tablespoon cookie scoop to scoop the dough. Roll the cookie dough balls in the powdered sugar mixture to coat.
- Place the cookie dough balls about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the top of the cookies appears dry.
- Remove the cookies from the oven. Immediately place a heart-shaped sprinkle on each cookie, gently pressing it down so it sticks to the cookie.
- Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Store any leftover Grinch Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To freeze, let cookies cool completely and transfer them to an airtight, freezer-safe Ziploc bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the fridge overnight.
HOW TO SERVE Grinch Cookies
Grinch Cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they also taste great on the following days. Serve them on a festive plate with a glass of milk or hot cocoa for a delightful snack. You can also package them in clear bags tied with a ribbon for charming holiday gifts. They’re perfect for cookie exchanges or as a sweet addition to holiday dessert tables.
STORAGE & FREEZING: Grinch Cookies
To keep your Grinch Cookies as fresh as possible, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze them. Once they are completely cool, place the cookies in a freezer-safe Ziploc bag. They’ll stay good for up to two months in the freezer. When you are ready to enjoy them, take them out and let them thaw at room temperature or in the fridge overnight.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Grinch Cookies can be served alongside various festive treats. Pair them with a hot chocolate bar where guests can add their favorite toppings like whipped cream or marshmallows. You can also serve them with a selection of holiday cookies for a cookie platter. For an even sweeter treat, consider pairing them with peppermint ice cream.
VARIATIONS
There are many fun ways to vary the Grinch Cookies recipe. If you want a different flavor, try using almond extract instead of mint, or add chopped chocolate chips for a chocolate version. You can also add crushed candies like peppermint for an extra crunch. For a fun twist, you can decorate the cookies with different sprinkles or icing designs to suit various holidays or themes.
FAQs
- Can I use a different cake mix?
- Yes, you can try other cake mixes for different flavors. Chocolate cake mix can give you a unique taste, though you might want to skip the green food coloring!
- Can I make the dough ahead of time?
- Absolutely! You can make the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Just let it sit for a while at room temperature before scooping and baking.
- What can I use instead of powdered sugar?
- If you don’t have powdered sugar, you can make your own by blending granulated sugar in a blender or food processor until fine.
- Are these cookies suitable for kids?
- Yes! Grinch Cookies are fun and safe for kids to eat. The ingredients are simple and kid-friendly, making them a delightful treat for children.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Grinch Cookies
To make preparations easier, you can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time. Scoop out the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a Ziploc bag. When you want to bake fresh cookies, simply take out as many dough balls as needed and bake them straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time. This way, you can have fresh Grinch Cookies whenever the mood strikes!
Enjoy making and sharing these lovely Grinch Cookies with family and friends. This festive treat is sure to bring joy to your celebrations!
Grinch Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, use a hand-held mixer or a stand mixer to mix together the cake mix, softened butter, and eggs until everything is well combined.
- Add in the peppermint or mint and vanilla extracts. Next, add enough green food coloring to get the color you want. Mix on low speed just until combined. The batter will be thick and sticky.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and cornstarch.
- Use a 1 ½ tablespoon cookie scoop to scoop the dough. Roll the cookie dough balls in the powdered sugar mixture to coat.
- Place the cookie dough balls about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the top of the cookies appears dry.
- Remove the cookies from the oven. Immediately place a heart-shaped sprinkle on each cookie, gently pressing it down so it sticks to the cookie.
- Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing them to a wire rack to cool completely.